NAM.1967-07-19-25

Lett’s No 35 Colonial Rough Diary, 1911-1912. From a collection of 1414 papers of FM William, Lord Birdwood, relating chiefly to his career in the Indian Army, 1882-1930. This diary begins by recapitulating the events described in his 1911 diary, including Birdwood’s conversation with the King on 8 Jan 1912. He remained in command at Kohat from 11 Jan 1912 to 3 Apr 1912, taking up his duties as Quarter Master General in Simla on 9 April. He led a full social and sporting life in Simla, taking part in the Nicholson Committee’s deliberations on 4 and 9 August. He was also involved in plans for the laying-out of New Delhi on 21 June, 7 October and 8 October. On 25 May Charles Hardinge, 1st Baron Hardinge, Viceroy of India, offered Birdwood the post of Secretary to the Government of India in the Army and Marine Department. Birdwood took up the post on 4 December and the diary ends with a full account of the bomb attack on the Viceroy on 23 December.

Delhi Durbar, 1911 (Ceremonial Events 1900-1999)